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Ex-prisoners challenge sentences Ex-inmates 'challenge sentences'
(about 4 hours later)
Hundreds of former IRA prisoners are to attempt to have their convictions overturned and claim compensation, Sinn Féin has said. A number of former IRA prisoners are to attempt to have their convictions overturned and claim compensation, Sinn Féin has said.
The party said 300 former inmates were to allege that confessions were extracted under duress by security forces. The party said former inmates were to allege that confessions were extracted under duress by security forces.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Carál Ní Chuilín said many spent time in prison for crimes they did not commit.Sinn Féin Assembly member Carál Ní Chuilín said many spent time in prison for crimes they did not commit.
"The issue about this is it affected republicans and loyalists," she said."The issue about this is it affected republicans and loyalists," she said.
"People from unionist and nationalist working-class areas were in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up spending their lives in jail.""People from unionist and nationalist working-class areas were in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up spending their lives in jail."
Michael Culbert, director of republican ex-prisoners' group Coiste, said there was no organised attempt to overturn convictions but added he was aware of a number of cases.
"There is a difference between individuals and it being a structured matter, there is no structured campaign."
Earlier this year, former Sinn Féin publicity director Danny Morrison submitted an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in a bid to get his 1991 conviction for false imprisonment overturned.Earlier this year, former Sinn Féin publicity director Danny Morrison submitted an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in a bid to get his 1991 conviction for false imprisonment overturned.
The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal.The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal.